Flash floods in Mallorca, October 2018

Eastern parts of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands, were hit by severe flash flooding on 09 October this year. Some of the worst affected were around Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, where flooding cut road access to and from the town. Other affected areas include S’Illot, Artà, Son Servera, Colònia de Sant Pere, Felanitx and Alcúdia.

Schools were suspended and several roads were closed. Around 200 people were evacuated from their homes and stayed in temporary accommodation, including a local sports centre.

The government of the Balearic Islands initially said that 9 people had died in the floods, with others still missing. During the following days, a team of over 300 emergency and rescue personnel continued to search for those still missing. By 14 October the death toll stood at 12, with fatalities reported in Artà (4), S’Illot (3), Son Carrió (2) and Sant Llorenç (3). On 17 October, 112 Illes Balears said they had located the final missing person, bringing the death toll to 13.

Numerous houses and roads were left severely damaged. Authorities said they removed 4.200 tons of rubble and debris, including damaged furniture, during the days after the flooding. As many as 324 vehicles were damaged by the floods.

According to Spain’s Meteorological Agency (AEMET) 232.8 mm of rain fell in 24 hours on 09 October in Colònia de Sant Pere. Artà recorded 157.4 mm and Son Servera 97.2 mm during the same period. Meanwhile in the west of the island, Llucmajor recorded a mere 25.2 mm of rain.